Flexible ornamentation for bathroom and kitchen accessories

ABSTRACT

A bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holder is disclosed which comprises a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein the bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface and at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member is disposed on the support base such that the bathroom and/or kitchen accessory is supported by at least one posable figure.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All documents cited or referenced herein (“herein cited documents”), and all documents cited or referenced in herein cited documents, together with any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to conformable devices adapted to hold bathroom and/or kitchen accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices comprising posable figures adaptable for holding bathroom and/or kitchen accessories such as a liquid dispenser, a bar of soap, a toothbrush, a drinking cup, a waste basket, a dish cloth, a dish scrubber, paper towels, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Holders for bathroom and/or kitchen accessories, including countertop accessories, are known in the home decorating art. Such items are often employed in residential bathrooms and kitchens to improve the visual appeal of the room and the countertop, to protect the floor or countertop area, and to provide order to the multitude of accessories typically stored in the room, including on the countertop, often in plain view. Typical accessories are static, substantially rigid, and are adapted to perform a single function in a single manner. For instance, pump dispensers for liquid products (soap, lotion, etc.) are often provided in a substantially rigid holder suitable for only a single dispenser shape. Thus, the holder is not conformable to alternate dispenser designs. Common materials for such items include, for example, ceramics, hard plastics, or other rigid materials.

Posable figures are known in the toy and juvenile products industries, often represented as stylized depictions of familiar animals and humans. These figures usually possess flexibility and a range of motion far in excess of that normally associated with the represented form. This allows the figures to be positioned in multiple poses. Typically, such characters are theme-based and are intended for children engaged in creative play in which the figures are posed in a fashion that facilitates the expression of the situation enacted by the participant or participants. Such posable figures are often detailed and outfitted with implements in keeping with the figure's theme. Such figures are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,872,544 to Williams (“Williams”), 4,197,358 to Garcia (“Garcia”) and 6,386,207 to Stewart (“Stewart”).

Williams refers to an animated toy in the form of positionable figures configured for rotation about an axis such that amusing movements will result upon rotation. One bendable support for a figure, offset from any axis of symmetry, is provided with a means for rotating the figure, essentially about an axis defined by the support. The displacement of the axis of rotation from any axis of symmetry, together with the bendable or flexible nature of the axis of rotation, results in an eccentric rotation and amusing visual effects. Two or more figures interacting in such a fashion is suggested by Williams. The plurality of figures could either rotate individually resulting in asynchronous movement or their rotations could be driven together with a more uniform and predictable motion. Additionally, rotation of a composite figure comprised of two or more connected figures is disclosed.

Williams, however, fails to suggest or teach that a user could introduce items to the figures for increased utility. As suggested, the figures are provided with accessory items integral with the characters. Themed items are provided in the grasp of the figures with no provision for additional, user-selected items to be included. Additionally, there is no teaching toward the addition or subtraction of characters from the originally provided configuration. A single character provided by Williams, for example, is not configured to accept additional figures.

Garcia relates to a flexible statue in the form of, for example, a baseball player, for positioning in a variety of stances. Appropriately detailed accessories are included in the grasp of the statue in keeping with the intended theme and setting. The related figure is realistic in its finished appearance, with a contoured body that is detachably mounted on a base with threaded fasteners.

Absent from Garcia is a suggestion or teaching to add user-selected items to be grasped or controlled by the figure. As disclosed, a statue is not adapted to grasp or hold items selected by a user. Items not originally provided as integral parts of the statue cannot be incorporated in the statue. In addition, Garcia suggests a singular statue without provisions for interaction between one or more statues. Combining multiple statues for interaction is not taught or suggested by Garcia.

Stewart pertains to decorative hair devices for securing hair in a fixed position. The related hair device comprises a flexible body with a plurality of appendages fabricated from plastic-coated, bendable wire. When used as intended, the hair device is placed on collected strands of hair, and the flexible appendages bent around the hair to secure the strands. To remove the hair device, the appendages are simply unbent and the hair device removed from the strands. The disclosure in Stewart is limited to holding collected strands of hair. There is no teaching or suggestion toward the holding of any bathroom or kitchen accessory, including countertop accessories or personal care products.

Additional examples of posable figures can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,209,791; 2,392,024; 2,684,503; 4,964,836; 6,217,406; 6,572,301; 6,746,303; 6,800,016; and 6,893,318. Such posable figures are capable of being positioned in many configurations regardless of the practicality of such positions. The intent of the referenced posable figures is to provide amusement through the comical positions obtained. None of the references pertain to posable figures that are positionable to hold bathroom or kitchen accessories, including countertop accessories or personal care products. Additionally, the references fail to teach the combination of two or more posable figures for interaction.

In order to create a utilitarian and visually pleasing bathroom or kitchen, including the countertop area, it is desirable to provide bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holders incorporating posable figures to secure a multitude of bathroom and/or kitchen items of various sizes or shapes, provide entertaining and/or decorative accents to the room, and allow modifiable configurations for such holders. Thus, a need exists for conformable bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holders providing adaptability in application while also providing protective and decorative functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a principle aspect of the invention to provide a bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holder which comprises a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein the bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface and at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member is disposed on the support base such that the bathroom and/or kitchen accessory is supported by at least one posable figure.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out in particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which corresponding components are identified by the same reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, given by way of example, but not intended to limit the invention solely to the specific embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holder configured to hold a drinking cup, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holder configured to hold a liquid pump dispenser, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3( a) is a perspective view of a bathroom accessory holder configured to hold a toothbrush, according to one aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3( b) is a perspective view of a bathroom accessory holder configured to hold a toothbrush, according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3( c) is a perspective view of bathroom accessory holders configured to hold a toothbrush, according to another aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bathroom and/or kitchen accessory holder configured to provide support for a bar of solid soap, according to one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not a limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, combination, additions, deletions and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. It is intended that the present invention covers such modifications, combinations, additions, deletions and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The instant invention relates to holders for bathroom and/or kitchen accessories. It is commonplace to find bathroom and/or kitchen accessories such as drinking cups, pump dispensers, toothbrushes, dish cloths, dish scrubbers, paper towels or bars of soap placed on top of a bathroom and/or kitchen counter. If left unsupported and in direct contact with a bathroom and/or kitchen countertop, such accessories are prone to instability, contamination, and are likely to soil the countertop. Support structures for such accessories are well known in the art. Typically, the known support structures are rigidly formed from ceramics, hard plastics, or other similar materials. As such, they are useful in supporting an accessory of only one configuration. For example, a user would be limited to one particular size and shape of a drinking cup to be used with a previously known cup holder. Any deviation in size or shape of the drinking cup from the intended configuration would not receive proper support from such a holder. Use of the holder with any differently shaped drinking cup would be frustrated. The same condition exists for pump dispensers and tooth brushes.

Additionally, once a known accessory holder was chosen, the stylization of the holder was fixed. If the theme or motif of the bathroom and/or kitchen changed, the accessory holder would necessarily need to be changed in order to maintain the new theme. Customization of the holder for interest-specific users, particularly for children, would be impossible.

As depicted in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the instant invention is directed to a free standing holder 10 for use with a drinking cup 12. The drinking cup holder 10 comprises a support base 14 and at least two posable figures 16. Posable figures 16 comprise a posable body 18 with at least one posable support end 20, at least one posable head end 22, and at least one posable extremity 24 projecting outward from the posable body 18. The posable figures 16 can be constructed in any manner known in the art. For example, posable figures 16 can have at least a portion of a bendable internal wire frame and an external elastomeric covering. The internal frame provides bendable or flexible stiffness to the posable FIG. 16, allowing the body 18, support 20, head 22, extremity 24, and termination end 24 to be flexed or placed in a pose and remain in that pose until intentionally repositioned. The external elastomeric covering provides protection for the underlying frame and the accessory to be supported. The elastomeric covering also allows for a more stylized appearance and desirable surface characteristics.

In one embodiment, the internal frame comprises a rigid, yet bendable material which holds the shape into which it is bended. For example, the internal frame could be wire, including a metal wire. It is within the scope of the invention that such metal wire can be a steel wire, aluminum wire, brass wire, iron wire, stainless steel wire, metal alloy wire, or the like.

In another embodiment, the external elastomeric covering can be any material having to some extent the elastic properties of natural rubber, such that the material may be bent and/or manipulated and will resume its original shape when a deforming force is removed. Various polymers known to those of skill in the art will be suitable for practice of the present invention, including polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylic rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, and the like. In one embodiment, the polymer may be a blown polymer, for example blown polyvinyl chloride.

Preferably, the support base 14 and at least one of the support ends 20 are fitted with attachment means, not shown, for selectively positioning the support end 20 on the support base 14. Such attachment means are well known in the art and may include, for example, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), friction engagement components, magnets, or repositionable adhesive components. Because the posable figures 16 are removably attached to the support base 14, a user may adapt the holder as desired. For example, if the posable figures were anthropomorphic (having human characteristics or form), the selection of posable figures 16 could be all boys, all girls, or any combination thereof. Additionally, posable figures 16 could be added or subtracted from the support base 14 according to the specific requirements of the user.

In another embodiment, the posable figures can be animal figures, fictional characters, fictional or non-fictional representations of humans, or other figurines. In yet another embodiment, the posable figures can be inanimate objects, for example, flowers or trees, having at least one posable member, for example a posable figure of a tree or flower having one or more posable members in the shape of leaves or branches or petals. In such an embodiment, the one or more posable members in the shape of leaves or branches or petals can be bent to hold or support a cup or a toothbrush or other accessory within the scope of the present invention.

As can further be seen in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the posable figures 16 are located on the support base 14 in such a way that a termination end 26 of one posable FIG. 16 may be in contact with at least part of another posable FIG. 16. Preferably, the termination end 26 is fitted with an attachment means, not shown, for removably securing one posable FIG. 16 to another posable FIG. 16. The attachment means should be sufficiently secure to protect against unintentional separation. Such attachment means are well known in the art and may include, for example, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), friction engagement components, magnets, screws, bolts, or repositionable adhesive components. In one embodiment, the desired attachment could be achieved through the interlocking or intertwining of a termination end 26 of one posable FIG. 16 with a termination end 26 or another part of another posable FIG. 16. For example, anthropomorphic posable figures could join hands to attach two or more figures together, as illustrated in FIG. 1. In another embodiment, the termination end 26 is permanently attached to another posable FIG. 16.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the support base 14 could have any shape or geometry that will provide a suitable base for the bathroom accessory. A suitable base will have sufficient mass to provide the overall structure with stability when combined with a continuous chain of posable figures 16 secured to each other as discussed above. The support base 14 can be a universal base for use with any number of posable figures 16 in any configuration desired.

Further, the support base 14 would provide a protective barrier between the drinking cup 12 and the countertop, not shown. Thus, the countertop is protected from soiling or staining from the wet outside surface of the drinking cup 12, and the drinking cup 12 is protected from damaging contact with the typically hard countertop surface. The support base 14 also provides a non-slip surface with respect to the drinking glass 12, a non-slip surface with respect to the countertop, and/or a non-slip surface with respect to a drinking glass 12 and the countertop.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a wastebasket holder which can be similar to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, while being of a size sufficient to support a wastebasket on a floor.

Another embodiment of the instant invention similar to the previously disclosed embodiment is depicted in FIG. 2 in which at least two posable figures 216 are positioned on a support base 214, configured to hold a pump-type liquid dispenser 212. Posable figures 216 comprise a posable body 218 with at least one posable support end 220, at least one posable head end 222, and at least one posable extremity 224 projecting outwardly from the body 218. In one embodiment, the support base 214 provides a non-slip surface with respect to the liquid dispenser 212 and with respect to the countertop to maintain a generally vertical orientation for the liquid dispenser 212 during and after use. In another embodiment, the support base 214 provides a protective barrier between the countertop and any stray liquid dispensed. Such a barrier would offer the countertop protection from contact with unintentionally dispensed liquid and the staining that could result.

As disclosed in the previous embodiment above, the posable figures 216 can be selectively and removably positioned on the support base 214 as needs require. The support end 220 and the support base 214 are preferably fitted with support means (not shown) for selectively positioning the support end 220 on the support base 214. Such attachment means are well known in the art and may include, for example, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), friction engagement components, magnets, screws, bolts, or repositionable adhesive components.

As can further be seen in FIG. 2, one embodiment is directed to two or more posable figures 16 located on the support base 214 in such a way that a termination end 226 of one posable figure may be in contact with at least part of another posable FIG. 216. The termination end 226 of one posable FIG. 216 may be fitted with attachment means, not shown, for removably securing one posable figure to another. The attachment means should be sufficiently secure to protect against unintentional separation. Such attachment means are well known in the art and may include, for example, hook and loop fasteners (VELCRO®), friction engagement components, magnets, or repositionable adhesive components. In one embodiment, the desired attachment could be achieved through the interlocking or intertwining of a termination end 226 of one posable FIG. 216 with a termination end 226 or another part of another posable FIG. 216. For example, anthropomorphic posable figures could join hands to attach two or more posable figures together, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, the termination end 226 is permanently attached to another posable FIG. 216.

The posable figures 216 can be constructed in any manner known in the art. For example, posable figures 216 can have a bendable internal wire frame and an external elastomeric covering. The internal frame provides bendable or flexible stiffness to the posable FIG. 216, allowing the body 218, support 220, head 222, extremity 224, and termination end 224 to be flexed or placed in a pose and remain in that pose until intentionally repositioned. The external elastomeric covering provides protection for the underlying frame and the accessory to be supported. The elastomeric covering also allows for a more stylized appearance and desirable surface characteristics.

Three embodiments of the instant invention are depicted in FIGS. 3( a), 3(b), and 3(c) in each of which a posable FIG. 316 is positioned on support base 314. In the instant embodiment, the posable figures 316 and the flexible components of the figures can be flexed and positioned to hold, for example, a elongate tooth brush 312. As discussed above, the posable figures 316 can be constructed in any manner known in the art, for example, a bendable wire frame encased in an elastomeric covering. In one embodiment, the posable FIG. 316 is comprised of a posable body 318, at least one posable support end 320, and at least one posable extremity 324 with a posable termination end 326. In one embodiment, as depicted in the figures, the posable extremities 324 can be bent, flexed or placed in a pose such that the posable FIG. 316 can hold and support a toothbrush 312 with a generally small cross section, for example a manually powered toothbrush. In another embodiment, the posable extremity can be placed in a pose such that the posable FIG. 316 can hold and support a toothbrush 312 with a generally large cross section, for example a battery powered toothbrush.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 3( a)-3(c), particularly in FIGS. 3( a) and 3(c), if the posable FIG. 316 is anthropomorphic, two extremities 324 can be clasped by joining the termination ends 326 thereby defining an opening between the joined extremities 324 in order to provide guidance and support for the toothbrush 312. Alternatively, a single extremity 324 may be bent or flexed to provide an opening to provide support for and hold a toothbrush 312 for example, as shown in FIG. 3( b).

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the instant invention, directed to a holder 410 for a bar of soap (not shown). The holder 410 comprises a posable FIG. 416 with a body 418, defined by an inner wall 417, an outer wall 419 offset from the inner wall 417 such that the inner wall 417 and the outer wall 419 define a generally hollow, concave up, truncated cone 421, having an outer bottom surface 423 and an inner bottom surface 425. At least one support element 420 extends downward from the bottom surface 423 to support the holder on a generally horizontal bathroom surface.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the holder 410 can be stylized as an animal shape with ornamentation such as a stylized head 422 or a stylized tail 423. Other variations in form will be obvious to those skilled in the art. As depicted in FIG. 4, the stylized head 422 and tail 423 may be flexible and constructed in any method known to provide a bendable or flexible stiffness. For example, a wire frame covered with an elastomeric covering could be used. As posable elements, the head 422 and tail 423 can be positioned to hold items such as a toothbrush, a watch, a ring, or any other suitably sized item. The stylized head 422 and tail 423 can also be positioned in whimsical configurations to provide an amusing accent to the bathroom.

As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the configurations and poses depicted in the figures are but a few of the poses and configurations that are capable of being achieved with the instant devices. In addition to use with bathroom and kitchen accessories, the instantly disclosed devices may be used to hold a multitude of items as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the instant devices can be used to hold eyeglasses, pens, pencils, as well as other personal, household and office items.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and modifications, and that other modifications the art without departing from the spirit ended claims. 

1. A bathroom or kitchen accessory holder comprising: a bathroom or kitchen accessory; a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein said bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface; and at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member, said at least one posable figure disposed on said support base; wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is supported by the at least one posable figure.
 2. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 1, wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is a drinking cup.
 3. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 1, wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is a liquid dispenser.
 4. The bathroom accessory holder of claim 1, wherein said bathroom accessory is a toothbrush.
 5. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 1, wherein said holder comprises a plurality of posable figures each having at least one flexible member.
 6. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 5, wherein said at least one flexible member of a posable figure engages said at least one flexible member of another posable figure.
 7. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one posable figure comprises a wire frame encased in an elastomeric material.
 8. The bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 5, wherein said plurality of posable figures comprise a wire frame encased in an elastic material.
 9. A flexible toothbrush holder comprising: a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein said bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface; and at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member, said at least one posable figure disposed on said support base; wherein the toothbrush is supported by the at least one posable figure.
 10. The flexible toothbrush holder of claim 9, wherein said at least one posable figure comprises a wire frame encased in an elastomeric material.
 11. A flexible liquid dispenser holder comprising: a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein said bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface; and a at least one posable figure, said at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member, said at least one posable figure being disposed on said support base; wherein said liquid dispenser is supported by the at least one posable figures.
 12. The flexible liquid dispense holder of claim 11, wherein said at least one posable figure comprises a wire frame encased in an elastomeric material.
 13. A flexible drinking cup holder comprising: a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, wherein said bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface; and at least one posable figure, said at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member, said at least one posable figure being disposed on said support base; wherein said drinking cup is supported by said at least one posable figure.
 14. The flexible drinking cup holder of claim 13, wherein said at least one posable figure comprises a wire frame encased in an elastomeric material.
 15. An improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder with a support base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a thickness disposed there between, where the bottom surface is configured to rest on a generally horizontal surface, wherein the improvement comprises: at least one posable figure having at least one flexible member, said at least one posable figure disposed on said support base; wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is supported by the at least one posable figure.
 16. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 15, wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is a drinking cup.
 17. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 15, wherein said bathroom or kitchen accessory is a liquid dispenser.
 18. The improved bathroom accessory holder of claim 15, wherein said bathroom accessory is a toothbrush.
 19. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 15, wherein said holder comprises a plurality of posable figures each having at least one flexible member.
 20. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 19, wherein said at least one flexible member of a posable figure engages said at least one flexible member of another posable figure.
 21. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 15, wherein said at least one posable figure comprises a wire frame encased in an elastomeric material.
 22. The improved bathroom or kitchen accessory holder of claim 19, wherein said plurality of posable figures comprise a wire frame encased in an elastic material.
 23. A method for holding a toothbrush in an upright position comprising inserting a toothbrush into the flexible toothbrush holder of claim 9, such that the toothbrush is supported in an upright position by the at least one posable figure.
 24. A method of ornamenting a liquid dispenser comprising inserting said liquid dispenser into the flexible liquid dispenser holder of claim 11, such that the liquid dispenser is supported by said at least one posable figure.
 25. A method of ornamenting a drinking cup comprising inserting said liquid dispenser into the drinking cup holder of claim 13, such that the drinking cup is supported by said at least one posable figure. 